He made the remarks at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Leadership Academy Annual Alumni Conference, held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Windsor Hotel in Nairobi.
Uhuru noted that the phrase “leaders of tomorrow” can be misleading. He argued that young people are already capable of influencing their nations and the continent.
Uhuru noted that the phrase “leaders of tomorrow” can be misleading. He argued that young people are already capable of influencing their nations and the continent.
“If you continue believing you are the leaders of tomorrow, that tomorrow will never come,” he said.
“You are the leaders of today. Your ideas, courage, and commitment will shape the future of Africa.”
Highlighting Kenya’s history, Uhuru reminded participants that early leaders such as Tom Mboya and Kenneth Matiba started influencing the nation in their twenties.
Highlighting Kenya’s history, Uhuru reminded participants that early leaders such as Tom Mboya and Kenneth Matiba started influencing the nation in their twenties.
He emphasized that age is not a barrier to making meaningful contributions, urging young leaders to act boldly and shape Africa’s progress now.
The conference, themed Harnessing Youth Leadership to Drive Africa’s Growth, brought together alumni of the IGAD Leadership Academy, members of the diplomatic corps, and regional leaders.
The conference, themed Harnessing Youth Leadership to Drive Africa’s Growth, brought together alumni of the IGAD Leadership Academy, members of the diplomatic corps, and regional leaders.
IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu and Nominated Senator Crystal Asige were among the attendees.
The event highlighted young Africans who are taking initiatives in social, humanitarian, and community leadership. Dr. Gebeyehu emphasized that investing in young leaders is crucial for long-term peace and regional unity.
The event highlighted young Africans who are taking initiatives in social, humanitarian, and community leadership. Dr. Gebeyehu emphasized that investing in young leaders is crucial for long-term peace and regional unity.
He noted that challenges in the Horn of Africa result from human choices and that the next generation must be prepared to make better decisions.
“If we are to achieve real regional cooperation, we must cultivate the minds of the youth. Their destinies are linked, and the future of our region depends on how well they work together today,” he said.
Senator Crystal Asige also encouraged young people to pursue leadership with purpose, ethics, and humility.
Senator Crystal Asige also encouraged young people to pursue leadership with purpose, ethics, and humility.
She highlighted the importance of hard work, integrity, and dedication as essential qualities for successful leaders who can transform communities.
The conference also featured speakers from international missions, including Finland’s Ambassador to Kenya, Riina-Riikka Heikka, and Tomonobu Hori, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Kenya.
The conference also featured speakers from international missions, including Finland’s Ambassador to Kenya, Riina-Riikka Heikka, and Tomonobu Hori, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Kenya.
Discussions focused on equipping the youth with skills, networks, and knowledge to take on leadership roles across Africa.
This event comes as Uhuru continues to champion youth participation in leadership. During a Jubilee Party grassroots mobilisation forum at Thika Green Gardens in Murang’a on November 7, 2025, he emphasized that young people should have the power to determine the future of Kenya.
This event comes as Uhuru continues to champion youth participation in leadership. During a Jubilee Party grassroots mobilisation forum at Thika Green Gardens in Murang’a on November 7, 2025, he emphasized that young people should have the power to determine the future of Kenya.
“The youth must be allowed to take positions of leadership so they can decide how Kenya should be run,” he said.
“It is not for anyone to dictate their vision; they know best what kind of country they want.”
